ISHERIES SURNEY
JUAGULTURE
WED AQUACULTURES
WON
0
0
0
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LAKE IZABAL FISHERIES SURVEY
INTERNATIONAL CENTER FOR AQUACULTURE
DEPARTMENT OF FISHERIES AND ALLIED AQUACULTURES
AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION
AUBURN UNIVERSITY
AUBURN, ALABAMA 36830
Date: September 5, 1973
Project: AID/cs'd-2-780
LAKE JZABAL FISHERIES SURVEY
by
W.D. Davies
Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama 36830
Project: AID/csd-2780 Date of Survey: June 11 - 22, 1973
September 5, 1973Date:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
1.0 ITINERARY .............................................. 1
2.0 INTRODUCTION ........................................... 2
2.1 Guatemalan Geography and Population ............... 3
2.2 Fish Marketing and Consumption .................... 4
2.3 Government Division Responsible for Fisheries 6
2.4 Lake Izabal, El Golfete and the Rio Dulce Water
Resources. ...................................... 7
3.0 THE FISHERIES ........................................... 8
3.1 Lake and River Fisheries ........................... 8
3.2 Fishing Regulations ................................ 10
3.3 Assessment of the Fishery .......................... 10
4.0 RECREATIONAL USE OF LAKE IZABAL, RIO DULCE AND
EL GOLFETE......................................... 11
5.0 SUMMARY OF SURVEY AND PROPOSED RECOMMENDATIONS .. 12
5.1 Summary ....................... ................... 12
5.2 Recommended Scope of Work ........................ 13
5.3 Program Requirements .............................. 15
6.0 CONFERENCES ............................................ 17
7.0 LITERATURE CITED ...................................... 18
8.0 APPENDIX ................................................. 19
8.1 Fishing Regulations for Guatemala ........ .......... .. 19
1.0 ITINERARY
June 11, 1973
June 12
June
June
June
June
June
June
June
June
June
June
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
Arrived Guatemala City; met with US .A.I .D. officials,
Agricultural Sector.
Conferences with officials at U.S .A.ID. and the Division of
Natural Renewable Resources, Directory of Fauna, Ministry
of Agriculture.
Traveled to Lake Izabal, Rio Dulce and El 
Golfete.
Traveled to Livingston and Puerto Barrios. Returned to
Guatemala City.
Conferences with U. S .A.I.D. officials.
Traveled to Atitlan; conferred with Peace Corps Volunteer
and Graduate Research Assistant, Oklahoma State Univer-
sity Project.
Returned to Guatemala City.
Conference with Minister of Agriculture and Commander 
of
the Navy.
Traveled to San Felipe, Lake Izabal.
Traveled to El Estor and Mariscos, Lake Izabal. Returned
to Guatemala City.
Conferences with U.S .A.I.D. officials,
Departed Guatemala City.
2
2.0 INTRODUCTION
In response to a request by the Government of Guatemala and 
under
the sponsorship of U.S.A.I.D., a pre-feasibility fishery 
survey was conducted
from. June 11 to the 22, 1973, on the Lake 
Izabal, RioDulce, El Golfete system.
The objectives were to provide the Ministry of Agriculture with recommendations
for developing a realistic program of stock 
assessment and management for the
fishery resources.
The principal sources of information used in preparing this 
report were:
1. Published reports dealing with marketing of freshwater fish
products in Guatemala and fishery surveys in the Rio Dulce
and the Gulf of Honduras; unpublished reports dealing with recent
limnological studies on Lake Izabal and the river system.
2. Interviews with fishermen and buyers during 4 days on Lake
Izabal and the Rio Dulce River System.
3. Inrterviews with government officials engaged in fishery related
services.
Significant contributions to the survey were made by several government
agencies, but specifically the Directory of Fauna. In this respect, Lie. Carlos
A. Silva . III, Economist with the Department of Marine Fisheries was an
extremely gracious and helpful host. The U.S.A .I.D. Mission provided logistic
support.
2.1 Guatemalan Geography and Population
1
Guatemala lies just south of Mexico in Central America. It is bounded
on the south and southeast by El Salvador and Honduras, on the east by
Belice and the Caribbean, and on the southwest by the Pacific With a
land area of 108,889 square kilometers, it is the third largest of the Central
American Republics.
Guatemala has a diverse geography which includes the agriculturally
rich coastal plains, the virtually uninhabitated lowlands in the north and
the high mountain regions in the center (Whetten, 1961).
The Pacific Coast region and that area bordering the Gulf of Honduras
have relatively high temperatures in the range of 20 to 33 C (68 to 92 F)
and a pronounced rainy season from May to October. The average monthly
precipitation for the Pacific Coast is 559 mm during the rainy season, compared
to only 87 mm for the other months. The Caribbean Coast has a less pronounced
rainy season; average monthly precipitation ranges from 173 mm to 154 mm
between the wet and dry season. Recent agricultural development has increased
the production of such export items as cotton, bananas, beef and pork. As a
result, an increasing number of people from less rapidly developing areas are
migrating to these regions.
The Peten region or northern lowlands, makes up over a third of the
land area of Guatemala, but contains only a fraction of its population. The
area is relatively rich in river systems and contains several large lakes.
Average monthly precipitation during May to October is 170 mm compared
to 56 mm during the dry season. Lack of transportation facilities into and
1 For readers not familiar with Guatemala
4
within the region has hampered agricultural development. However, the
government has been improving the road system in recent years.
The highlands region contains very little flat land suitable for mech-
anized agriculture; but it is the most densely populated area in the country.
There is a wide range of climatic conditions in this region that allow for a
variety of agricultural crops. Flowers, fruits, coffee, corn, beans and wheat
are produced here. Often small plots are cultivated on slopes as great as 45
degrees; as a result, most of the rivers and streams in the region are heavily
laden with silt during the wet season. Meteorological data for Guatemala City,
located in this region, are as follows:
Ave. min. temperature 14.3 C (11.5 - 16.0 C)
Ave. max. temperature 24.1 C (21.9 - 26.6 C)
Ave. monthly precipitation
Dry season 21.5 mm
Wet season 185.5 mm
The population of Guatemala in 1970 was 5.3 million, which when com-
pared to the 1964 census of 4.3 million people, represents a 3.3 percent
average annual rate of increase. About 2 million are classified as Indians, or
those people who are descendants of precolonial inhabitants of the region who
have not adopted Western culture. About 80 percent of the total population are
rural; the majority have less than a 3rd grade education and farm small plots at
a subsistence or near subsistence level.
2. 2 Fish Marketing and Consumption
In 1971, the total catch of fish for Guatemala was approximately 5,000
metric tons. Of this total, 1,400 tons came from inland waters. The Pacific
Coast marine fisheries yeilded 3,500 tons while those fisheries in the Caribbean
accounted for only 100 tons. The principal marine fishery is for shrimp
which is an important exportie. lthough some shri:mpare sold to 
iland
markets, the industry mainly sppls marine fish whihar ht incidental
to shrimp trawling-opeinsThe 1971 catoh represeercen
increase over that reported in 161 (FA, 1971).
Per capita consump lnof fs in Guatemlaisonly
or 1.1 grams per person pr day as compared to 30 grams per p
for other meat products
9 
Thi value is one of the lowet consump ates
for any of the CentralAmerican Republcse and in fact the w d
TheconsuptionT rate mbe inflenedih cost of
fish when compared.to other-Meatprdut The following table illustrates
meat pricesin GuatemalaCity in June, 1973.
Product . Rein price .
(per pound or: 
per number)
Whole:Fish (Snool9 $0.70 - $0.95
Filet of Snook $1.25
Whole Guap ote (1m$9:c20 - $0.25
Rock Lobster $1 50 - $1.85
Oysters: $1 .00/dozen
Crabs- (Freshw-ate)$10/38
Catfish (Marine) $025
Largemouth Bass (251,cM)$0*A0
Shrimp (arge,, fron $~0$1.1
Pork Leg.$0.Q- 0'70'.
Whole Chicken..$0.:40,
Bef(lnk steak):. $0.60- $0.7
Beef (T-boMne .steak), $0.90- $1910.
Maythrough Au W nnregustwhen anwaters wecosed to fishingby gill nets
Undoubtly a larger variety andq ity would be offered. 
for 'sale during
6
the open season. The range in price of meat products reflects the conditions
under which they are sold and the quality of the product. In this respect, fish
sold in the Central Market were usually not held under refrigeration and were
somewhat less expensive than the same species sold in the supermarkets.
Very few retailers had facilities for holding fish more than a day.
As a result, the merchants indicated that they would purchase somewhat less
than they probably could sell to protect themselves from loss. Also, it did not
appear that the demand for fish products exceeded the supply except possibly
during Easter week.
2.3 Government Division Responsible for Fisheries
The Division of Fauna within the Ministry of Agriculture has responsibility
for the fish and wildlife resources of the country. The Department of Wild-
life has the responsibility for inland fisheries, but not for those waters con-
nected to saltwater by major rivers; as a result the fishery resources of Lake
Izabal, El Golfete and Rio Dulce 
are under the jurisdiction of 
the Department of
Marine Fisheries. An abbreviated organizational chart showing the relationship
between government agencies within the Ministry follows:
Ministry of Agriculture
Directorate of Agricultural Services
Division of Natural Renewable Resources
- Director of Fauna
Department of Wildlife
Inland Fisheries
-- Department of Marine Fisheries (including the fishery
resources of Lake Izabal, El Golfete, and the Rio Dulce)
The Department of Marine Fisheries is not staffed nor equipped for
research studies necessary to assess the fishery resources of Lake Izabal.
Although a few staff members have received short-term training in fishery-
related fields, none have been trained in fisheries biology and population
dynamics. Also, the Division appears to be severely handicapped by a very
limited operating budget. As a result, the activity of the Department has been
confined to the collection of catch statistics and carrying out marketing surveys.
2.4 Lake Izabal, El Golfete and the Rio Dulce Water Resources
Lake Izabal is located about 35 km up river from the town of
Livingston; it is connected to the Gulf of Honduras in the Caribbean by the
Rio Dulce. The lake itself is approximately 46.5 km in length, 13.7 km in
width, and with a mean depth of 8 - 9 meters. The Rio Polochic flows into
the lake at its western end resulting in an extensive deltaic region. The
lake is oblong in shape with a "saucer shaped" basin. The bottom is mostly
soft mud. The prevailing winds are easterly so that most of the southwest
shore consists of windsweapt, sandy beaches. The northern shore is covered
with thick vegetation.
The lake and river system has served in the past as an important
transportation route between the old rail head at Panzon on the Rio Polochic
and the coastal cities of Livingston and Puerto Barrios. Today, a hard surface
road and rail line extend from Guatemala City to Puerto Barrios on the Caribbean.
8
The Rio Dulce and El Golfete, however, still serves as a transportation route
from Livingston to the road system connecting San Felipe to Guatemala City.
Recent limnological investigations indicate that during the dry season,
salt water from the Gulf of Honduras moves by tidal and wind action into the
eastern end of the lake. However, during the wet season with the increased
flow of water through the system, the lake and upper sections of the river are
flushed of their salt content (Brinson, 
1973).
3.0 THE FISHERIES
3.1 Lake and River Fisheries
As in many tropical freshwater lakes connected to the marine environment,
there exists in Lake Izabal, populations of marine animals. The fish fauna
include sawfish (Pristis perotteti and P. petinatus), jack (Oligoplites sp ),
bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas), tarpon Mega atlantica), dolphins
(Tursiops truncatus), snook (Centropomu sp.) and several 
species of marine
catfish (Arius sp.). Freshwater representatives include the 
cichlids (mainly
mojarra, (Chichlasoma sp.) .
Very little fishing activity was observed during this survey because
of the existing regulation which prohibits gill net fishing during 
the period
May through August. However, commercial fishing is apparently 
concentrated
in two areas, the deltaic region of Lake Izabal and the Rio Dulee east 
of the
El Golfete. The Department of Marine Fisheries reports only 70 full-time
fishermen and 150 part-time fishermen on the lake itself. In Livingston,
approximately 80 percent of the population (about 1,700 individuals) are
engaged in some fishery-related activity. It has been reported that 
some of
these fishermen occasionally fish the waters of El Golfete and Lake Izabal.
FIGURE 1
MAP OF GUATEMALA SHOWING LOCATION OF
LAKE IZABAL
r ---- ------- ----- ---------
V,.-3 0 P-1 E-i A. Frl- Y Y7? EP R ,:7. f-.
Ili
If
All -
Ul
........... ..... ..... ..... .... .. . ... .. ... ... ... ... ...... ... ...
.... .... .....
ial
Own:
nslrastklCrook
w; ~ ~:: :iiNO
.
.. 
.
.. 
..
...... ..
~ 1 ~~~ ~rr r ~ r ~
- - ---- ---- - - --- -- - - --- ----
On both the lake and river, full-time fishermen use cotton or nylon multi-
filament gill nets. At Livingston, the average mesh size observed was 10 em
(bar measurement); these nets were from 2 - 3 meters in depth and profusely
hung with heavy weights so as to keep them in place when set across the current.
Several nets would be fastened together so as to extend almost the entire width
of the river. Part-time fishermen were observed fishing with hook and line
(with small tomato-like fruits for bait) for mojarra and bagre.
Two fish buyers were operating out of Livingston. Fish (mainly snook)
were purchased from fishermen for $0.10 to $0.20 per pound, held on ice
and then shipped to Guatemala City via the Rio Dulce to San Felipe. Shark,
tarpon and other "lower quality" fish were sun dried and sold locally. In
this respect, a FAO-constructed processing house, complete with tables and
a dryer is available. However, the facility is not presently being used for
this purpose. Fishermen offered a variety of reasons, the most common
being that the facility was located at too great a distance from where the
majority of fishermen landed their catches; in addition, the door was locked
and no one knew who had the key.
Very few lake fishermen could be contacted for an interview; however
local officials verified that practically all of the full-time fishermen used gill
nets. The few gill nets that were observed drying were constructed of coarse,
cotton twine and hung with large styrofoam floats. The large mesh size (6 -
10 cm bar measurement) indicated that in the lake as well as in the river,
fishing effort was being directed toward the large marine species (mainly
snook and tarpon). Part-time fishermen on the lake used hand lines; their
catch consisted mainly of mojarra and bagre.
FIGURE 2
LA KE IZABAL., EL GOLFETE AND
RIO DULCE
Dukeo
Felipe
El
Lake.,IiAbal
Banco
Mariscos
o36 9 Mile s
o0 3 6 9 Kilometers
Rio
10
Much of the catch in the western end of the lake is sold locally. The
small lake-shore towns of El Estor, Izabal, Mariscos and Rio Baheo evidently
provide a sufficient market for local lake fishermen.
3.2 Fishing Regulations
Fishing regulations are established by the Division of Fauna. One set
of regulations apply to all inland waters of Guatemala. They are written
in a popular style which personifies the fish as a friend of the fisherman.
A direct translation is provided in the Appendix.
If fishing regulations were enforced, it would be relatively easy to
determine fishing effort and yield of the fishery resource. However, 
local
officials who have the responsibility for issuing licenses and taxing the 
catch
indicate that it is extremely difficult to enforce these regulations; 
thus the
Directory of Fauna has very little information for assessing the fishery.
Most gill net fishermen on both the lake and river system apparently
respect the 4-month closed season during which they obtain 
fish for their own
consumption by hook and line. Snook reaching the Guatemala City markets
during this period were coming from a limited amount 
of fishing in the river
mouth and bay area near Livingston. During the closed season, many 
fisher-
men fish for shrimp with cast nets in the bay or use the period for mending their
nets. In the western end of the lake where fishing would be less obvious, 
there
was evidence that some gill netting is done throughout the year.
3.3 Assessment of the Fisheries
Because of the rapidly increasing habitation of the area, the fishery
resource will be exploited in the future at a greater rate. The present number
11
of full and part-time fishermen estimated to be fishing does not appear
excessive for this lake and river system, even though it has been reported
that the average catch per fisherman has declined in recent years. Most
tropical waters are capable of producing sustained annual yields in excess of
10 kg/ha (9 lbs/A). The lake itself is reported to be approximately 63,700
ha in size. This would suggest a potential annual harvest of more than 637
metric tons. Judging from the style and mesh of the gill nets presently in
use, it does not appear that the freshwater and small species are being harvested
to any great extent. However, it is possible that fishing pressure, especially
in the river, has reduced the number of the large marine species in the lake.
4.0 RECREATIONAL USE OF LAKE IZABAL,
RIO DULCE AND EL GOLFETE
These waters may best be suited and developed for recreational use.
Already the area is catering to an increasing number of tourists. Three hotels,
located near San Felipe, offer rooms and meals at modest cost. Attractions
to the area are sight-seeing, fishing, swimming and boating.
Sight-seeing is popular with excursions by motor launch scheduled
from San Felipe to Livingston ($2.50/person) and El Estor ($3.50/person).
The boat trip from San Felipe down the Rio Dulce to Livingston offers the
tourist some unique experiences. The river flows past white limestone
cliffs that extend vertically at times 15 - 18 meters from the waters edge. The
tropical vegetation that overhangs the cliffs is lush and virtually undisturbed.
Located on a point of land where the Rio Dulce flows out of the lake is the
restored Spanish castle constructed in 1657. Also, the Maya ruins at
Tikal are within one hours flight from San Felipe.
:FIGRE 2
ti 4
Outboard motor powe:3re canoes commonly used for lake and river
transportaion .
12
Sport fishing for snook, tarpon and mojarra is usually done with hand
lines. Either a spoon or eel and jig is trolled, or a baited hook is used.
Fishing success for snook and tarpon is reported to have declined in recent
years; the decline has been attributed to increased commercial fishing activity
in the river below El Golfete. Fishing for mojarra, however, with hook and
line is still productive although not very popular. Tourists can rent a boat,
motor and guide for fishing at a cost of $1.50 per person per hour.
Swimming, water skiing and sailing are popular weekend activities.
Hotel operators promote these activities by having motor launches and skis
for rent. They indicate that there are no longer any sharks in the area and
give credit to commercial fishing activities for eliminating this hazard.
5.0 SUMMARY OF SURVEY AND PROPOSED RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary
The fish stocks of Lake Izabal, Rio Dulce and El Golfete represent a
valuable natural resource to the people of Guatemala. Because of the increase
in recent years in both the sport and commercial utilization of the resource, it is
essential that a realistic management policy be determined to realize the maximum
sustained benefits. This is especially true for Lake Izabal. Little fishing activity
was reported by Hollaway when he surveyed the lake in 1945 (Hollaway, 1950).
Since then, fishing activity and catches have increased. Recently, however,
the average catch per fisherman has declined. This situation is common to
developing fisheries and does not necessarily indicate over-fishing. It does
indicate, however, that fishing pressure has reduced the initial stock abundance.
13
to some extent and biological studies are needed to determine what level of
abundance, and fishing, will provide for the greatest production.
The Rio Dulce and El Golfete system is subjected to intensive pressure
by gill net fishermen. Nets of various depths and mesh size are traditionally
set to extend almost the entire width of the river. Escapement of snook,
tarpon and other marine species ascending the river must be limited; this
method of fishing, however, probably represents the most efficient means of
harvesting these species. Biological and economic studies are required to
determine what affect this fishery has on the sport and commercial catch
upstream and the reproductive success of the species involved.
5.2 Recommended Scope of Work
Little information is available on the biology and dynamics of the fished
stocks that is readily transformed into management policy. A recommended
scope of work includes the following:
Biological Basis for Management: The greatest present need is for
estimates of total yield, seasonal variation in yield, species and size composition
of the catch and the associated fishing effort. These characteristics of the
fishery can be estimated by periodic sampling of the catch and associated gear.
A preliminary census of fishing activity is recommended to provide sufficient
data for planning an effective sampling design.
Exploratory and experimental fishing can provide information on popula-
tions or parts of populations not represented in the catch by fishermen for
J181- -!a- fz al, --JJ7K2SUYt on a~ sea vz near
t h -acc ad
14
studies concerning the reproductive biology, food habits and growth of important
food fishes.
The gill nets presently used by fishermen are constructed of multi-
filament cotton or nylon and are profusely hung with large weights and floats.
The cost and maintenance of fishing monofilament nets with a twine size no
greater than 0.40 mm in diameter should be compared to that of nets presently
in use. For a comparative evaluation, nets and net material should be loaned
to fishermen and their catch and other data recorded by project personnel. Also
recommendations or comments by fishermen participating in the study concerning
the fishing characteristics of the nets would be important.
Also, procedures for 4atching the large snook and tarpon in the lake and
river with rod and reel should be determined. Present tactics consist of
trolling a silver spoon or an eel and jig by hand-line; fishing success, using
these methods, probably will not attract a great number of sport fishermen to
the area.
Economic Aspects of Management: The fisheries of this region are
handicapped by the distance to market and lack of adequate processing facilities.
However, the processing house and drying shed constructed by FAO at Livingston
is not being used. Fishermen indicated a variety of reasons, but the most
obvious fault was its location; the facility was evidently too far from where the
majority of fishermen landed their catch to be useful. Costs of providing training
and additional facilities need to be investigated.
The existing restrictions on fishing prohibit gill net fishing for all
lakes and rivers in the country during the months of May, June, July and
August. For the most part, fishermen adhereto these regulations and limit
15
their fishing during the closed season to hook and line. This blanket restriction
without regard to local conditions does not appear reasonable. For example,
the restriction on gill netting in Lake Izabal probably could be modified to
permit a limited amount of fishing throughout the year.
It should be determined if the size of the fish can be regulated by mesh
restrictions and what economic advantage there might be in doing so in terms of
increasing the market value of the catch. This information coupled with
biological information on the fish stocks and status of the fishery will allow
administrators and economists to determine the most appropriate form of
regulation.
5.3 Program Requirements
The recommended study for the Lake Izabal, El Golfete and Rio Dulce
system will require that a lake study program be established within the
Ministry of Agriculture. Host country personnel required are two biologists,
two technicians and a boat captain. Initially, the proposed study will require
the assistance of an in-country fishery advisor for a period of at least 3 years;
he should be experienced in lake survey techniques, use of fishing gear and
fish population dynamics. The fishery advisor will provide on-the-job training
for counterpart personnel and coordinate work activities.
An essential part of the program will involve training host country per-
sonnel in fisheries biology and management. Two biologists should be pro-
vided with scholarships for university training in fisheries biology. Ideally,
the two biologists chosen to participate in the program will be qualified 
for
graduate study leading to an advanced degree. In this respect, funding for
each participant should be provided for a 24-month period.
FIGURE3 5
:Fisherman at Livingston rinaking a new section of net during the
season closed to gi nedting.
16
In addition, the Ministry of Agriculture should consider requesting the
assistance of at least two Peace Corps Volunteers with training in some aspect
of lake fisheries. These individuals would be especially helpful in the initial
stages of the program.
Contributions to the program are recommended to 
come from the following
sources:
Contract by USAID
Fishery advisor for a
period of 3 years to
include in-country and
overseas travel, fringe
benefits, etc.
Equipment funds
(freight and insurance)
for initial and operat-
ing expenditures not to
exceed US $30,000 (1st
year) and US$15,000
(2nd and 3rd year)
Special consultants
not to exceed 10 man-
days per year.
Government of
Guatemala
Permanent positions
for two biologists,
two technicians and
a boat captain.
Secretarial assist-
ance, office and
storage space both
in Guatemala City and
in the vicinity of
San Felipe, Lake
Izabal.
Transportation (vehicle
and vessel maintenance
and fuel) 
and travel 
ex-
penses for host country
personnel.
U.S. Peace Corps
Two Peace Corps
Volunteers for
the Lake Study
Program.
Two scholarships (24
months each for
university training in
fisheries biology).
17
6. 0 CONFERENCES
U.S.'Government
r. Daniel A. Chi
Mr. Robert Bravo
Mr. Joseph S. Courand
Mr. Gerald R. Wein
Mr. Dennis Custage
Mr. David Bowman
Mr. Andres S, Hernandez
Major Charles Stulga
Guatemala Government,
Eng. Mario Martinez Grutie rrez
Eng. Roberto Perdomo: van
Vilsteren
Lie. Carlos A. Silva C., 11
Gregorio Ellis Parham-
Col. Rene Mendoza
Julio Raniro Aparicio 
Lobo
Director, Office of Rural Development
Agriculture Advisor, Agiture and Natural
Resources Division
Agricultre Advisor, Agiture and Natural
Resources Division
Program-. conomist, Office of SOCIU
Economic Analysis
Deputy Director, .Peace Corps, Guatemala
Peace Corps Volunteer, Atitlan Fisheries Project
Agriculture Advisor
Major -U.S. Army
Minister of Agriculture
ice Minister of Agriculture
Economist,9 Department of Fisheries
Captain, Research Vessel "Manatee"?
Commadant of the Navy
Director; Division of Fauna
FL&ULB I
Hotel Ma-rnorts, near San Felipe, C~srooms, - als and recreatonal
18
7.0 LITERATURE CITED
Brinson, M.M., L.G. Brinson and A.E. Lugo: 1973. The gradient of salinity,
its seasonal movement and ecological implications in the Lake Izabal--Rio
Dulce ecosystem, Guatemala. Unpublished manuscript; Center for Tropical
Agriculture, University of Florida and the Ministry of Agriculture, Guatemala.
Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, 
1971. Yearbook of
fishery statistics. Vol. 32, 1972, pp. 554. Rome, Italy.
Holloway, A.D., 1950. Recommendations for the development 
of the fishery
resources of Guatemala. pp. 99- 140, maps 1- 3. In U.S. Fish 
and
Wildlife Service Spec. Sci. Rept. 5.
Whetten, N.L., 1961. Guatemala - The land and the people. Yale University
Press, New Haven, Conn.
19
8.0 APPENDIX
8.1 Fishing Regulations for Guatemala (direct translation)
Friend Fisherman:
I am part of the natural resources of the country. My existence is of
vital importance for your subsistence, that of your family and for the riches
of the nation.
In virtue of this, the Government has disposed to protect me, passing
laws for my reproduction which you are obligated as a good Guatemalan
to respect and make concious in your community so that they may also respect.
You should not capture me during the months of May, June, 
July and August,
since if you do, you will be punished and your family will suffer on seeing you
deprived of your freedom.
Hold present that in the four months that you don't pursue me I will
multiply, which would come to your own benefit and that of your family; on the
contrary, I will disappear and you will have to seek other forms of work 
for
the subsistance of your home.
In this pamphlet you will find some of the articles of the fishing law,
so that you may know your duties and obligations towards me, and of the
sanctions to which you are exposed if you do not respect them.
In accord conformity with Governmental decree, you must fulfill the
following requirements to capture me:
a) Obtain your fishing license at the mayors office of the municipality
where you reside, which will be valid in the entire nation, needing be
confirmed by the national police.
20
b) Your license may be granted any time, but it is only valid for the year in
which it is granted.
c) The license which is granted to you cannot be loaned since it is a personal
document.
d) You are obliged to obtain your fishing license and register the equipment
you use, and you must present it to all authorities when asked.
e) You will pay the municipal treasury of your municipality the sum of
Q3.00 for the license and Q2.00 for the registry of each piece of equipment
used by you, and also Q1.00 for each hundred pounds of fresh fish which
you extract from the jurisdiction where you fish, or the proportion of
Q0.01 (1 centavo) for each pound of fish.
f) You may only employ cast nets, gillnets, thrust baskets, traps, seines and
hooks. Never employ explosives or chemical substances.
g) All small fish that have not reached their normal size that you catch
should be returned to the waters.
h) You may not practice fishing during the months ofMay, June, July and
August of each year.
i) You may only fish for your own food and that of your family during these
four months, but only with hooks.
j) It is prohibited to destroy the eggs of fish, muddy the waters, throw
in materials that hurt or endanger them and does not permit their freedom of
movement, beat on the waters, oblige them to run in direction to the places
where it is set up to capture them, break up or alter the bottoms, drain
the river course to capture them, use two or more pieces of gear together
of any nature, fish in the lower regions of the river up until five
21
kilometers from its mouth with meshes smaller than 15 centimeters.
If you do not fulfill these essential requirements, you will be punished
in accord with Legislative Decree which forsees a fine of from 100 to Q5, 000,
according to the case and if you repeat the infraction, the fine will be double.
Besides that, the equipment you use will be confiscated and if you don't pay
the fine, it will cause one day of imprisonment for each Q1.00 of fine.
On closing my friend fisherman, I recommend the faithful observance of
the law. Since as in the beginning I indicated it was promulgated for your
benefit and of the country in general.

S
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